I used to fear breast cancer. After my health crisis I learned that I can minimize my risk by choosing a proactive lifestyle.
I have been on high alert for breast cancer since entering adulthood. My mother and both grandmothers had breast cancer. After 20 years of living in fear of my genetics, I learned that I can do more than just hope for the best.
Recent research suggests gene expression is highly connected with environmental factors. The field of epigenetics has shown such great promise that the National Institutes of Health has formed the Roadmap Epigenetics Project.
I’m not ready to wait for science to tell me what my intuition tells me – that building my immune system and paying attention to environmental factors can make a difference.
Eight ways I am minimizing my risk of breast cancer:
1. Limit my exposure to toxins
I stay away from any and all chemicals. This includes pesticides, synthetic fragrances like plug-ins, and cleaning products.
I also avoid toxic mold. After our family’s experience I understand the significance of high indoor mold counts and the need for vigilance when it comes to water leaks and water intrusions.
One of the more widely known species of mold, aspergillus, metabolizes the mycotoxin aflatoxin, recognized by the World Health Organization as a carcinogen. Another fungal mycotoxin Ochratoxin A, has been implicated in a study of environmental breast cancer triggers. (Learn more about the study here.)
2. Remain meticulous about my diet
Sugar feeds pathogens in our bodies. I avoid sugar in all forms, including high carbohydrate starches. I adhere to a grain-free, nutrient-dense diet with an emphasis on greens, fermented foods and healthy fat.
I continue to tweak my diet as I monitor which foods are best for my unique constitution. I also fast frequently for short periods of time, to give my body the opportunity to clear itself on a regular basis.
3. Boost my glutathione
Glutathione (GSH) is a major player when it comes to our detox system. Glutathione deficiency has been shown to be a risk factor for the development of breast cancer. (See Role of Glutathione in Cancer Progression and Chemoresistance.)
Foods shown to stimulate glutathione production include broccoli sprouts, milk thistle, bioactive whey protein and foods high in sulfur.
I avoid oral glutathione supplements as they tend to be poorly absorbed. Nebulized glutathione or glutathione suppositories may be better options.
I include coffee enemas in my healing regimen as they have been shown to stimulate the liver to detoxify and boost glutathione levels. For more on coffee enemas, see The Health Benefits of Coffee Enemas.
4. Wear loose-fitting bras or no bra at all
It makes sense to me that tight-fitting clothing, especially a bra, can constrict the valuable lymph tissue from flushing toxins from the body. I wear only organic cotton bras to further limit my contact with petroleum-based chemicals.
A controversial study linking bras with breast cancer is documented in the book Dressed to Kill by Sydney Ross Singer and Soma Grismaijer.
5. Practice dry skin brushing regularly
Skin brushing stimulates the lymphatic tissue to do its job of clearing toxins. It’s one of the simplest yet most effective ways to detoxify and boost the immune system. As a bonus it softens your skin, and is especially beneficial for aging skin.
For more details, including methods and sources, see The Benefits of Dry Skin Brushing.
6. Use only personal care products that are safe enough to eat
Synthetic deodorants and antiperspirants containing aluminum have been linked to breast cancer. The underarm contains key lymph tissue. Why take a chance?
I use a homemade herbal deodorant when needed, rhassoul clay for shampoo, homemade tooth powder for toothpaste, and homemade soap for general cleansing.
7. Spend time outdoors
I try to spend a minimum of 1 hour a day outside with no sunglasses or eyeglasses. Cancer prevention is one of the biggest reasons. (See Why I No Longer Wear Sunglasses.)
In his book Light, Radiation, and You, photo biologist Dr. John Ott mentions the empirical work of cancer researcher Dr. Jane Wright. In the summer of 1959, Wright instructed her terminal cancer patients to avoid artificial light and stay outdoors as much as possible without sunglasses or prescription lenses, Wright found improvement in 14 of the 15 patients. One patient’s health deteriorated as noted by Ott,
“She had stopped wearing sunglasses, but continued to wear her regular prescription glasses, which blocked the transmission of the ultraviolet portion of the natural sunlight spectrum from entering the eyes.”
Ott sought funding for continued research but his requests were continually rejected.
More recent research notes the correlation between vitamin D levels, latitude, race and cancer rates. See The Role of Vitamin D in Cancer Prevention.
8. Limit EMF exposure
I continue to modify my exposure to electromagnetic radiation. Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) have taken over our culture with little regard to health impacts. The more I learn, the more convinced I am the Precautionary Principle is a better way to go.
The Precautionary Principle states that when the health of humans is at stake, it may not be necessary to wait for scientific certainty to take protective action.
We have reduced WI-FI in our home, transitioned to corded phones, switched to photoelectric smoke alarms and more. (See From Wireless to Wired – Our Family’s Journey.) The good news when it comes to EMF exposure is that there are lots of little changes that potentially offer great benefit.
There are other factors, of course, such as reduced stress, positive mindset and emotional well-being that I try to embrace, knowing that there are no guarantees for any of us when it comes to breast cancer or any other diagnosis. I simply do the best with what I know at the time and remain open to new ideas as I continue to take life -and my health journey – one day at a time.
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Andrea, what are your thoughts on mammograms? I am 41 and crashed with toxic mold-related illnesses the same year as you. I have decided that mammogram screenings are not for me, at least until I’m 50, when there will surely be new data to review. But then I recently developed a large breast mass which turned out to be a cyst. The first doctor ordered a mammogram right away, but that plan didn’t make sense to me, as I primarily wanted to know if it was a cyst as I suspected from the symptoms and history… and that is diagnosed by an ultrasound. I made my own appt with another doctor, a breast specialist, who did the ultrasound during our appointment, but she still ordered a mammogram. I asked for the reasoning, and it really was not convincing… because it’s her job to make sure I get one? I do believe that mammograms offer more risk than reward, and apparently having a cyst makes me no more at risk for cancer than any person without a breast lump. Sorry if this is too rambling. I am having no luck finding information from a trustworthy source, but having no luck on anything specific to a plan for testing and managing cysts, from a holistic perspective. My recheck is up in 2 days, and I’m supposed to come with mammogram results, which I did not get. I am leaning towards skipping my recheck and looking into thermography.
For me, I will do thermography if I feel it’s needed. I have learned to listen to my gut and it sounds like you’re doing the same. My gut tells me the thermal route is much safer. I haven’t sensed the need to do any checking but will when I think it’s necessary.
I love this, Andrea. One of the best articles ever. Thank you for sharing your wisdom.
Keep going!
Thank you, Angela. As always timely and appreciated.
Hi Andrea,
You mentioned wearing organic cotton bras. Do you have any companies or brands that are your favorite? While on that note, I also wonder the same thing for sheets, pillows, mattresses and all things associated with bedding.
My husband and I are making healthy changes, one thing at a time. It’s been so helpful keeping up with your articles, you always provide such beneficial information and resources!
Thank you 🙂
I find Amazon offers excellent organic bras as well as bedding. A few organic clothing companies include Majamas, Ecoland, Fairies Dance, Pure Karma.
The most affordable safe mattress probably is a a cotton futon (preferably organic)…a more expensive option that we waited six years for is an organic latex mattress. We went with this one (Botanical Bliss) – I can’t say enough about it.
http://www.plushbeds.com/Botanical-Bliss-Organic-Latex-Mattress.html
Thank your for your encouragement. 🙂
I love that you said one thing at a time. It’s all about small steps.
Great post, Andrea. I am doing many of these things….wow. 1 hour every day in Michigan in winter? I am not sure how I would do that……
I hear you on that Adrienne!
Each and every one of your tips are super important in this day and age of rampant breast cancer. These are healthy changes I’m trying to help my teenage daughter with now, so thank you so much for sharing your common sense approach!
Thanks Alicia! You’re such a good mom I can tell.
Great post Andrea!
I am also mindful of limiting my exposure to harmful substances as I’ve been dealing with fibrocystic breast issues for over 10 years. I’m 45 years old and started taking iodine last year, with food-sourced co-factors to counteract this process in my body. I am not a big fan of supplements, but spent many years attempting to deal with fibrocystic lumps naturally and had no results. So I’m now trying this as Dr. David Brownstein, who has done a lot of research and treated women in his clinic with iodine for this same condition has written a book called Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can’t Live Without It. This makes a lot of sense to me since modern diets don’t contain much iodine and other important nutrients. I also eat a Weston A. Price-based diet with lots of animal foods from pastured sources, seafood (which is supposed to be rich in iodine) and avoid environmental toxins as much as possible.
So many people are iodine deficient…the research connecting the electrification of society is fascinating…as radiation particularly impacts the thyroid. I’m glad you’ve found answers and continue to be so proactive. I sure appreciate your blog, Raine!
Great, great post! Thank you for sharing this!
Thank you. This is a fantastic article, Andrea. Great tips as ways to minimize breast cancer risk…it is *not* simply genetics…not even close. Thanks for educating so many people through this great piece and for sharing your knowledge. 🙂
Thanks Jessica. I’m thankful for all you do to offer safe products (as well as your awesome tutorials)!
Wow this is wonderful! Thanks so much for sharing these tips with us. Such important info. I do some of these, but would love to focus on more. Pinning this.
Thank you Emily! I sure do appreciate all that you do.
Very helpful tips Andrea. You are truly an inspiration. I was very interested to read about how you limit your EMF exposure. I’ve been dry brushing for years. I was actually taught in a yoga class many years ago.
Thanks Lori. I can tell we are kindred spirits. 🙂
Love that photo of you at the top! Love all the info: bras, nutrition, supplements, sunshine, no shades, all so helpful!! Great insights and so thorough! Thanks, pinning! 🙂
Enjoyed all of the new articles. Glad I read through to the end of this one, have been researching a mattress as the one we have is making us sick. (It was a warranty replacement.) Who knew it would affect us. Glad to find another organic one to review. Thank you for all of your hard work, experience and time!!! You are a blessing!!
Thanks Lucia. I love the organic latex but will probably do futons for the kids for now.
This article really hit home for me as I also have cancer ‘running’ in my family. I am already doing some of these but will be more diligent about the others. Thank you for sharing!
Nice to hear from you, Krystal. Sounds like you relate a great deal.
Such important information Andrea! I actually didn’t know about Glutathione… I’m gonna have to look into that now! Thanks for the useful tips 🙂
Thanks Sarah. The glutathione suppositories are my favorite although I’m going to look into making liposomal glutathione as I just made liposoamal vitamin C with an ultrasonic cleaner.
Thank you for this incredibly informative article. I learned some new things, and have been reminded once again of practices I want to add into my routine. Pinning for future reference!
Thanks Chloe. Nice to hear from you.
This is great…. so many people choose to be ignorant to this information and they wonder why they are sick.
That was part of the reason I lived in fear – I didn’t want to learn about this. It’s hard to make these changes.
Great post! One way I’m minimizing my risk is breastfeeding. And more breastfeeding! 🙂 Eight kids….all breastfed!
So true! That’s awesome. 🙂
Great tips! I have to look more into EMFs…my mother died of BC, so I try to be really mindful!
Coffee enemas are something I’ve been wanting to try.
What great information you have shared. Being proactive when you have had a family history of certain illnesses is so important. The amount of toxins in our environment is truly startling so every bit of healthy living counts! Thanks for posting.
~Kim
Thanks Kimberly!
Dear Andrea,
This was a very informative post. I did want to comment on the use of Thermography instead of mamograms. I too was completely convinced that at some point I would use Thermography instead of a mamogram. But, I have been doing some research and am finding that it is not as accurate as the Thermography practitioners would like us too believe. There are many incidences of false positives and missed diagnosis. This is not yet an exact science nor a true account of what is going on in the breast. I have not had either test. Perhaps a post on Thermography from a scientific view would be interesting.
Yes it would be, Mary Ann! It’s so tough to make these decisions isn’t it?